A great barrier reef campervan package for self-drivers who like a proper bed

The drive, broken down

1. Day 1: Cairns pick-up to Northern Beaches25 km · 35 min

   Keep the first night simple: supermarket, bottle-o, water fill, powered site and no heroic late driving.

2. Day 2: Northern Beaches to Port Douglas45 km · 1 hr

   Captain Cook Highway is short but scenic; pull over properly rather than drifting at 60 km/h with reef goggles on.

3. Day 3: Port Douglas to Daintree Village and Mossman55 km · 1 hr 15

   Rainforest, river cruises and Mossman Gorge; check hire rules before going north of Cape Tribulation.

4. Day 4: Daintree area to Atherton Tablelands150 km · 2 hr 30

   Climb inland for cooler nights, waterfall loops and a break from coastal humidity.

5. Day 5: Atherton Tablelands to Mission Beach210 km · 3 hr

   Use the Palmerston Highway, watch for wet-road conditions and arrive before cassowary-o'clock.

6. Day 6: Mission Beach to Townsville235 km · 3 hr

   A practical Bruce Highway day with fuel stops at Ingham or Cardwell and island time if you add Magnetic Island.

7. Day 7: Townsville to Airlie Beach275 km · 3 hr 30

   Finish with Whitsunday reef options; book a powered site before rolling in dusty and smug.